Inside Line Promotions
– WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. (Oct. 4) – It was over as quickly as it started Saturday night for Tony Bruce Jr.
After working his way into the feature, the Liberal, Kan., native was forced pitside with engine issues on the opening lap of the main event at Riverside International Speedway in West Memphis, Ark.
“That thing broke as soon as I took off,” he said. “It dropped a cylinder. There was a vibration in the engine, so I just shut it off and pulled in.”
Bruce Jr. finished 20th. It was the second time in three races at Riverside International Speedway that he failed to finish this season.
The night didn’t begin much better. Driving for Clifford and Don Young, Bruce Jr. finished where he started – fifth – in the heat race on a greasy track.
“It was greasy on the bottom so we weren’t able to get that great of a jump on the start,” he said. “I just kinda jumped in line and rode it out until the checkered flag because there wasn’t much passing.”
Bruce Jr. was forced to start on the pole of the B Main, when the track was still wet on the bottom. However, this time he got a much better start and maintained the lead the entire consolation to record his ninth B Main victory of the season.
That lined him up 17th in the feature, which was short-lived. After pulling in early, Bruce Jr. ended with his 38th top-20 finish in 41 features this year.
“I wish we could catch a break when I drive for Clifford and Don Young,” he said. “We’ve had some unfortunate things happen to cost us a decent finish and shot at a win a couple times this season.”
He will be back in his car for an ASCS Warrior Region race at Valley Speedway in Grain Valley, Mo., on Friday.
For live updates of Bruce Jr. and the rest of the competition, check out www.insidelinepromotions.com.
QUICK RESULTS –
Oct. 1 – Riverside International Speedway in West Memphis, Ark. – Heat race: 5 (5); B Main: 1 (1); Feature: 20 (17).
SEASON STATS –
47 races, 41 features, 1 win, 5 top fives, 18 top 10s, 28 top 15s, 38 top 20s
UP NEXT –
Friday at Valley Speedway in Grain Valley, Mo., with the ASCS Warrior Region
FAVORITE NUMBER –
1: Feature lap when engine issues forced Bruce Jr. to the pits in his race last Saturday at Riverside International Speedway in West Memphis, Ark.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS –
Website: www.tonybrucejr.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tonybrucejr
ON THE AIR –
Bruce Jr. was a featured guest on the ASCS Show by Racinboys on May 24. Check out the link below for his interview, which starts at approximately 44:20 into the show.
http://www.meridix.com/mbp/general/index.php?liveid=Racinboys&recordid=19159
He was also on the April 26 edition. Click on the link below to listen to Bruce Jr.’s interview, which begins around the 52:25 mark.
http://www.meridix.com/mbp/general/index.php?liveid=Racinboys&recordid=18733
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT – Smiley’s Racing Products
Established in 1968, Smiley’s Racing Products offers all parts necessary to operate a race team and is a Hoosier tire dealer. With locations in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, Smiley’s Racing Products is associated with various motor sports teams. For more information, visit www.smileysracing.com.
“We’ve been with Smiley’s Racing Products from Day 1,” Bruce Jr. said. “It has been a long-lasting relationship and there has always been mutual respect on everything. They are the longest partner that we’ve ever had. The first day we bought stuff for my race car we bought it at Smiley’s Racing Products and have been with them ever since.”
Bruce Jr. would like to thank his sponsors, including The Oil Medics, TBJ Promotions, Travelwizer.com, Ticketmob.com, LRB Manufacturing and Hoosier for their continued support.